Academy News

Hans applauds Academy work

Hans Backe 0708

Hans Backe has applauded the work of the City Academy ahead of tonight’s Youth Cup semi final.

The Blues’ assistant manager has been well-placed to judge the Platt Lane production line since coming to the Club last summer, and it’s something in which he thinks City have no equals.

“I’m very impressed with the talented players that have come through, the likes of Kasper Schmeichel , Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards and then of course Kelvin Etuhu has come into the team this season,” Hans declares.

“It’s a superb achievement and it has to be one of the best in the country, because I cannot see any other Premier League club producing so many young players.

“I don’t think it compares with anything overseas, smaller countries are having real problems producing top-flight players through their academies. If you look around Europe you can see one or two, like Lyon and Auxerre, who have produced some young players, but it’s very few.

“We must have one of, if not the, youngest teams in the Premier League. Micah has 11 England caps, and he’s still only 19 years old, so that, along with how much Johnno and Nedum have played for us, is very impressive.”

The second leg of the FA Youth Cup semi final kicks off at 7.00pm tonight. Admission is £5 for adults, £1 for concessions.

You can also listen to exclusive live commentary from the game via MCFCTV.com, and we will bring you highlights from and reaction to the game on Wednesday.